The Funny Women Awards are open to any woman who can perform comedy in front of a live audience. The producers and judges are looking for stand ups, impressionists, sketches, character and musical comics, ventriloquistsâ€¦ Anything - as long as it's funny.

Last year the competition attracted more than 250 entrants - the number already registered this year has broken all previous records, making 2010 the biggest year in the history of the awards to date.

Up to 24 acts will be selected from across the UK to take part in the semi finals on Monday 6th September, with 12 acts going on to perform at the charity final on Monday 20th September. Both the semi finals and the final take place at the one of London's most exciting new comedy venues, the Leicester Square Theatre.

"We endeavour to cover as much of the UK as possible to see new acts," explains Lynne Parker, producer and founder of Funny Women.

"We are particularly excited to be returning to the capital for its first Fringe Festival, and look forward to seeing as much exciting new talent as possible on 7th, 8th and 14th August."